How it all began LIEKE VERWOERD & DICK LOCK
The Story Behind Unlock Nature
Some companies start with a business plan. Unlock Nature didn’t. It grew from a shared passion for Suriname’s extraordinary wilderness and two people whose different backgrounds turned out to be the perfect combination.
Lieke moved to Suriname in 2015 after building a career in the corporate world. With years of experience in project management, logistics and operations, she was ready for a new challenge, one that would combine her organizational expertise with her growing passion for nature and meaningful travel.
Dick arrived in Suriname in 2017 and soon built a reputation as a wildlife guide, leading guests into some of the country’s most remote and biodiverse places. Alongside his guiding work, he started a small initiative called Herping Suriname, offering specialised wildlife tours focused on reptiles and amphibians.
Lieke Verwoerd
The Expedition that changed everything
As interest grew, so did the requests. Visitors weren’t only interested in herping, they wanted to experience Suriname’s incredible biodiversity as a whole. Birdwatching, photography, remote expeditions and authentic rainforest adventures became an increasingly important part of the tours. It was becoming clear that the vision had outgrown its original concept.
Then COVID-19 brought tourism to a standstill.
Like many working in the travel industry, Dick temporarily had to put guiding on hold. After several months in the jungle and a period working in the Netherlands, he returned to Suriname determined to continue building a future centred around the country’s remarkable nature.
One of the first projects after returning was a two-week expedition to Tafelberg, one of Suriname’s most spectacular and remote mountain plateaus. Among the participants was Lieke.
What started as a challenging expedition soon became the beginning of a friendship. During those two weeks, it became clear that they shared the same curiosity, adventurous spirit and deep respect for nature.
As conversations turned to the future, they realized their strengths complemented each other perfectly. Dick brought years of field experience, wildlife knowledge and a vision for creating unforgettable expeditions. Lieke brought the organizational expertise to transform that vision into a professional company through strong logistics, planning and operational management.
Our very first tour
On August 19th 2021, we officially registered Unlock Nature with the Chamber of Commerce. Not long after, our very first tour became a reality: a trip to Peperpot Nature Park with two guests.
Today, Dick and Lieke continue to lead Unlock Nature together, each contributing their own expertise. Dick focuses on developing expeditions, exploring new destinations and guiding guests through Suriname’s wilderness. Lieke oversees the operational side of the company, ensuring that every adventure runs smoothly from the very first inquiry to the final day in the rainforest.
As the company has grown, one principle has remained at the heart of Unlock Nature: our passion for nature should extend far beyond the rainforest. It shapes every part of the organisation, from the way we design our adventures to the way we work together and support conservation.
That is why the team behind the scenes is just as connected to Suriname’s wildlife and landscapes as the guides in the rainforest. Whether answering emails, planning logistics or helping guests choose the right expedition, every team member understands what makes these experiences so special.
This shared passion allows Unlock Nature to provide more than an effective service. It provides thoughtful advice, personal attention and a seamless experience from the very first conversation. For the team, every interaction is an opportunity to inspire people about Suriname’s extraordinary biodiversity, even before they arrive.
